Lost in Translation

John 1:29-42

On a visit to the small Mayan village of El Bongo in Guatemala I learned an important lesson in translation.  Most of the people in that community only spoke Quiche, their Mayan language.  A few knew Spanish.  None of them knew English.  I, on the other hand, only spoke English.  I didn’t know much Spanish and not a word of Quiche.  The community was concerned about rebuilding their church, which had been severely damaged by an earthquake.  Not wanting to make promises I couldn’t keep, I told them that we “might” be able to help rebuild the church.  When I visited again the next summer, the people were upset because we hadn’t kept our promises.  I discovered, much to my chagrin,  that there is no word for “might” in Quiche.  When my words were translated from English to Spanish to Quiche, the “might” disappeared.  I understood why they were upset!

I have always found it interesting that John felt it important to translate “Rabbi,” “Messiah,” and “Cephas” for the readers of his Gospel.  Written in Greek for Greek readers, he knew they would not understand the Hebrew/Aramaic terms, to say nothing of their deeper meanings for the Jewish people.   I find it even more interesting that these translation notes are found in a passage that is primarily about the proclamation of the Gospel and inviting others to “come and see” who this “Jesus” (which translated means, “God Saves”) is for them and for the world.  The Gospel writer wanted to make sure that nothing was lost in translation.

Translation is important.  I think it is especially important in a culture where, increasingly, people (even people within the church!) don’t know the basic stories of the scriptures.  Translation is absolutely necessary in a culture where, increasingly, theological concepts and ideas familiar to those within the Christian community make about as much sense as “might” meant to the people of El Bongo.

A few years ago, I was visiting a congregation in the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, and during the “Question and Response” time following worship, a man asked me to state the core message of Lutheran Christianity.  “Lutherans insist on the radical, free gift of Grace that is ours through Jesus Christ.”  I said.  

“’Grace is a church word.”  The man responded.  “How would you say that in English?”   He was looking for a translation.

I thought about it for a moment.  “I think I would say, ‘God loves you.  Period.’”

He smiled.  “Now that, I understand!”

Yes, God loves you.  Period.  Just as you are.  Right here.  Right now.   I believe that with all my heart.  But what does that mean?  (Another good Lutheran question.)   With Jesus, I would say, “come and see.”   (Which, translated, means, “it will take more than your whole lifetime to figure it out.”)

Peace,

Bishop Mike

Thanks for reading!